Skip to main content

Metoprolol Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Kapspargo Sprinkle, Lopressor, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Metoprolol Tartrate, Toprol-XL

Metoprolol Pregnancy Warnings

US: This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
AU and UK: Use is not recommended unless benefit outweighs risk; if used during pregnancy, administer the lowest possible dose and discontinue at least 2 to 3 days prior to expected delivery, if possible.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Animal studies have revealed increased postimplantation loss, fetolethality, and decreased neonatal survival. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

See references

Metoprolol Breastfeeding Warnings

An infant consuming 1 L of breast milk a day would receive a dose of less than 1 mg of drug.

AU and UK: Use is not recommended unless benefit outweighs risk.
US: This drug has been used without apparent harmful effects; caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Yes (in small amounts)

Comments: This drug has been used without apparent harmful effects in the nursing infant.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. Product Information. Lopressor (metoprolol). Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

References for breastfeeding information

  1. Product Information. Lopressor (metoprolol). Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.